Email

IMRAN Khan has thrown down the gauntlet yet again by announcing his plan to shut down the major cities one by one, eventually paralysing the entire country. If that does not work, he has promised to launch Plan D, which according to him would make it impossible for the Sharif government to bear the situation. We are not sure what his next step will be, but the message itself is clear: it is a battle to the finish.

This change of strategy — from holding public rallies, to taking to the streets — has brought the confrontation to a head. Imran Khan did not give any details of how the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf plans to try and shut down major cities, but it is clear that his strategy is now to bring down the government through street power. So, what are the options for the beleaguered prime minister? Concede or fight it out? Neither choice is easy; each has its own pitfalls.

It was indeed a massive show of strength by the PTI on Sunday with supporters pouring into Islamabad from across the country, making it one of the largest political gatherings in the capital’s history. Wisely, there was no obstacle erected by the administration this time to stop the people from coming.

Unlike the past, the rally too was far better organised and dispersed peacefully by the deadline that the administration had set. But surely there was no sign of Imran Khan relenting from his position as he announced his Plan C, calling his supporters out on the streets. Is this stance due to the groundswell of popular support demonstrated by the large turnout in the Islamabad rally or is it a sign of desperation that is driving the PTI chief to change gears?

What is most dangerous in this situation is the return of the government to its former ways of hubris.

Whatever the reason, it will not be easy for the PTI to make its Plan C a success. Leave aside paralysing the entire country, it will be hard for a party with no experience of street agitation to shut down Lahore or Karachi without the support of traders, transporters and other political parties.

But it will undoubtedly be a more serious challenge for the government, even though the PML-N apparently seems to have a strategy in place this time to counter the PTI’s attack with its own propaganda campaign against Imran Khan and other party leaders. But the strategy does not seem to be working. The paid advertisements on the TV channels have proved to be counterproductive and failed to affect the PTI’s rally.

True, the panic and fear witnessed in the government during the initial days of the earlier sit-in and the occupation of Constitution Avenue by the PTI and Tahirul Qadri supporters is not in evidence anymore. Instead, there are clear signs that the prime minister is toughening his stance. Despite the growing public support for the PTI, there are few indications of his conceding even on the issue which his government was prepared to accept earlier.

One of the reasons for this complacency is said to be the perception that the threat of the military leadership intervening in the crisis has receded with the retirement of the ISI chief and some other senior generals. The fear of a ‘coup’ had heightened after the unprecedented warning by the military leadership to the government not to use force. The across-the-board backing of parliament has also boosted the government’s morale that had hit a low after the violent clashes between the police and supporters of the PTI and the Pakistan Awami Tehreek in August.

But it is a gross miscalculation on the part of the Sharif government. While there may have been some improvement in relations between the civil and military leadership over the past few months, some of the main sources of tension have not been completely removed. It is hard to believe that the military would come to Nawaz Sharif’s help if the situation goes out of control. The power matrix could change dramatically in crunch-time. And that is not very far with Imran Khan tightening the deadlock.

What is most dangerous, however, is the return of the government to its former hubris, postponing reform measures that the prime minister had promised to initiate for improvement in governance. The plan to broaden the cabinet and bring in some new faces seems to have been put on the back burner. It is now back to business as usual as nothing is happening.

In the meantime, Nawaz Sharif is back to spending time on foreign tours as governance slumps further. Even the closest allies of the government in the business community are wary of the continuing paralysis. All that has pushed more people into supporting the PTI’s campaign.

There are also clear signs of Mr Sharif losing support of the powerful civilian bureaucratic establishment to the PTI, making options for dealing with the challenge much more difficult. Any violence or clashes may further complicate the situation for the Punjab provincial administration that is already reeling from the Model Town killings of the supporters of Tahirul Qadri. Even partial success of the PTI’s plan would be a serious blow to the government’s standing in its political stronghold.

Although he has still not completely lost the battle, the situation is fast slipping out of Mr Sharif’s control, leaving him with limited options to salvage the situation. The onus is squarely on the government to find some solution to end the crisis.

There is still time for the prime minister to come out of his inertia and take the initiative. The government cannot afford to be in a constant state of crisis. It needs to open substantive negotiations with the PTI as Imran Khan has already backed down from the demand for the prime minister’s resignation. Some progress seemed to have been made in the earlier negotiations and the government can pick up the thread from there. Will Mr Sharif do so before it is too late? The choice is his.

Comments (75) Closed

Its not inertia or hubris preventing the PM in conducting the election audit but rather the fear of losing his government if a proper audit took place. And the reason he has been able to sit on it is the backing he has from both national and international third parties.

Recommend0

I. Ahmed

Dec 03, 2014 09:27am

Good analysis, as usual. It is very clear that army is not supporting either. The true quality of a political leader is collaborative spirit. As PM, Sharif has not shown this. When he had the opportunity instead of directly talking and negotiating with IK he went to PPP for collaboration and we all know what happened in the joint session. Even now, showing some level of collaborative spirit he can achieve the unthinkable, the challenge is can he 'think'?

Recommend0

Raghu

Dec 03, 2014 09:35am

Long live PMLn. The government should let PTI go ahead with its street agitation. PTI has over played and now its only putting a sour taste and slide in Imran Khans rating. Holding a huge jalsa is no problem, anyone can do it with promise of free food and money. Unless PTI has a terrerist wing like MQM, it will not be able to close any city let the country. Its Plan C will fall on its face. Also in case PTI ever come to power they should remember that the opposition parties will block the country far easily and force their government to resign. Its a loss loss situation for PTI.

Recommend0

Pragmatist

Dec 03, 2014 09:36am

Let the government be toppled and constitution of Ayub Khan restored. I hope the army acts in this way for the stability of the country. Parliamentary system will never work in Pakistan.

Recommend0

Abdul Rehman, U.S.A.

Dec 03, 2014 09:36am

Looking at the current crises and threat to shut down the government, I remembered the crisis at the time of Ayub Khan, he was a very strong man, but due to the demonstration of the people and the crises, the President Ayub Khan said in his resignation speech that he didn't wanted to further hurt the country increasing the crises and shutdown of the country. He accepted the demand of the people and resigned in his televised speech.
I think PM Shariff should also look for the same thing, if crises further, and if there is a Marshall Law, then the current PM Shariff would be responsible for that outcome.
For the country's shake, I urge the PM please do what ever is the best of the country to avoid another Marshall Law and resolve the current crises.

Recommend0

Usman

Dec 03, 2014 09:37am

PTI is playing right card at this time. If not in past, now IK is looking more smart politician.

Recommend0

Syed

Dec 03, 2014 09:40am

He is scared of the truth to come out.

Recommend0

F Khan

Dec 03, 2014 09:42am

@ noman chaudhry: your poetic verse is good but it is not applicable here because nor this is a war ka assa uthana para nor NS is a firoun. He is a constitutionally elected legitimate PM of Pakistan. You like it or not, he is the prime minister at the moment. The only way to get him out is to either take him to court for rigging or negotiate a new election. d chowk philosophy is neither correct and it is dying out anyway.

Recommend0

khan

Dec 03, 2014 09:56am

Nawaz Sharif coming out of his inertia ? yeah right

Recommend0

saqib

Dec 03, 2014 10:01am

Our premier doesn,t have the caliber or the wisdom to make proper and timely decisions,on top of that he is surrounded by cronies.There is a level of incompetence in governance beyond which civil and military establishment will not tolerate him in office.

Recommend0

Mustafa J.

Dec 03, 2014 10:15am

Unfortunately the author of this article does not realize the seriousness of a rebellion against government of the day. I have a fear that the Pakistanis themselves will destroy Pakistan. The only alternative is to enforce the constitution and laws of Pakistan. The only power to change government is with elected members of Parliament who can pass a motion of no-confidence in Nawaz Sharif and elect another Prime Minister by majority vote. I do not believe in negotiations with enemies or rebels of government of Pakistan at any cost. Why should Pakistan negotiate with PTI when it refused to negotiate with Pakistani Taliban. If Army is reluctant to save Pakistan from Anarchy, let Police be armed plus other law enforcement people within Pakistan should take arms to defend their beloved country. I am not a supporter of Nawaz Sharif as I will be happy to see him go because what he did to Pervez Musharraf. But I do not want to see removal of a Prime Minister of Pakistan through Ghunda Gardi and street power and lawlessness.

Recommend0

Zulfiqar

Dec 03, 2014 10:21am

The government thinks these guys will eventually get tired and go back home. Lets wait and see.

Recommend0

Riaz

Dec 03, 2014 10:23am

Nawaz Sharif's, eagerness to become PM is evident from the fact that he negotiated with the same person who had toppled his govt in 1999.

Isn't this clear, that he will do anything to remain PM.

Recommend0

kkkhattak

Dec 03, 2014 10:34am

The matter of fact is what Abdulrehman stated in his comments.

Recommend0

Khalid Rahim

Dec 03, 2014 10:35am

I have never seen such opposition in Pakistani politics before. Awakening of People surely it is!

Recommend0

Zulfiqar Baig

Dec 03, 2014 10:51am

There is only one option for PM and that is to step down and let the rigging investigation to start.

Recommend0

Ak

Dec 03, 2014 11:00am

I wanted to stop reading when he says Govt didn't try to stop why was JUIF ka Dharna in KP when the leader in question was killed in Sindh

Recommend0

ny

Dec 03, 2014 11:17am

Nawaz Sharif is the Bahadur Shah Zafar of our time. He will be duped by his "advisors" into thinking the country is being run perfectly. Time will tick and the King will keep on neglecting the country. However, this negligence will not be forever tolerated. Reality will soon dawn over him, when the people he had underestimated will surround his palace.

Recommend0

FARHAN WADOOD

Dec 03, 2014 11:30am

Well written article, good analysis.

Recommend0

mansoor

Dec 03, 2014 11:48am

Imran has failed again and again, and is likely to fail in this latest threat.

Recommend0

Tahir Alyana

Dec 03, 2014 12:11pm

Nice Analysis. Its clear now that IK wont go away easily. He is a very committed person and he knows what he is doing. You may disagree with him on many things and criticize him now and then but we must accept that his shear perseverance and unwavering willpower has unnerved shareef.
The author is right. Shareef has no clue how to handle IK and if he continues to do what he is ding at present- doing nothing- the days are not far away when he will be out-maneuvered by IK.

Recommend0

Waqar

Dec 03, 2014 01:04pm

@Mustafa J. O man such a huge lecture to us on democray ending with you liking Mushi and wanting a police state. Pfft....some serious contradictions there dare I say

Recommend0

saud

Dec 03, 2014 01:09pm

Plan A - Failed, Plan B Failed, The writer admits Plan C will fail and in fact IK has already backed off a shutter down call. Still, the author thinks it's the gov that's losing the battle. I am sorry but the ground realities simply do not support your assertions.

Recommend0

Qamar Tarar

Dec 03, 2014 01:19pm

Govt is leaving no options open for themselves and slowly slowly going to its final destination (End). I fully support the 5 points agenda that was settled between govt and pti. Good analysis by Writter.

Recommend0

rehan

Dec 03, 2014 01:39pm

What IS encouraging is the fact that corruption is no longer fun for the likes of Sharif and his cronies . PMLN Government hasn't enjoyed a moment's peace every since it came to power. I am sure they still have ambitious plans of loot and plunder but things aren't headed in quite the right direction for them !

Recommend0

sfoman

Dec 03, 2014 01:50pm

Its too late for PML-N, and for that matter, PPP now. The people have awoken and have become politically wiser. They know now what these two parties has been doing to us for the last 20-30 years. You cannot take the knowledge out of people mind. Its just a matter of time now.

Recommend0

i2i

Dec 03, 2014 01:53pm

The writer has mistimed his article. Now he should be writing on "Options for PTI".

Recommend0

irfan

Dec 03, 2014 02:05pm

The use of hubris or inertia or rest or motion would not work with the PM because he is no Einstein.

Recommend0

aaaaa

Dec 03, 2014 02:06pm

Its strange that people keep advising the government to restart dialogue. It was not the government that called the dialogue off. It was Imran Khan himself who ridiculed his own negotiations team on his container. He was the one who called it off. And now the PTI is willing to call off the strike in exchange for a restart of negotiations which PTI itself sabotaged. Let's remember what Javed Hashmi said: Agreement was in place, only needed to be signed, and then a phone call came. We all know who was at the other end of that line.

Recommend0

Abdul

Dec 03, 2014 02:07pm

The PM has admitted yet again that the election was rigged by his statement during his yet another visit to London when he said questions about the election should have been raised earlier. I don't undestand why he still wants to hang on to power when he has lost all credibility?! I can only conclude its either greed or backing of anti-Pakistan powers. May God save Pakistan.

Recommend0

Abdul

Dec 03, 2014 02:09pm

@saud as your name implies stay in the Middle East who back corrupt leaders

Recommend0

Shiraz Mirza

Dec 03, 2014 02:32pm

Without prejudice.
As a politician I find it amazing that a very basic demand of opening 4 constituencies haven't been met by the government. I believe the demand was just and within the principal of democracy. However, one can only imagine the government has something to hide and wants to avoid embarrassment of have been ill advised to hide behind their appointees!! Some of have seen the time of ZAB in 70s ie the people's power in a sham democracy so, let's hope and pray there's no lives lost in the current debacle that's going on in our beloved Pakistan.

Recommend0

CricketOne

Dec 03, 2014 02:38pm

The writer is still living in the fools paradise. He can't even seem to notice the thinning numbers in the PTI rallies.

Recommend0

CricketOne

Dec 03, 2014 02:42pm

@Usman He is the same IK mate. Just a slightly different wrapping.

Recommend0

CricketOne

Dec 03, 2014 02:46pm

@Riaz Sure, he negotiated with the same person, who toppled his government. The other method was civil war. Do you have any other option ?

Recommend0

CricketOne

Dec 03, 2014 02:48pm

@Khalid Rahim May be you were not alive or sleeping, through the Pakistan movement and the movement to oust Ayub Khan or Zia ul Haq.

Recommend0

Akbar

Dec 03, 2014 04:05pm

ball is always in NS court .... but the day he play that ball he will be bold

Recommend0

AH

Dec 03, 2014 04:13pm

My earlier comment on the subject has been trashed by the moderator for, perhaps, being too harsh to Imran Khan. I shall try to tone it down this time. (Sorry for that.)
Imran Khan has every right to become the PM of Pakistan. But at this time when Pakistan is about to take off, he has no right to block the runway. Here’s what’s Imran Khans main worry; If Nawaz Sharif is allowed to deliver, which he would provided he completes his term, then Imran Khan stands no chance in the next elections. Imran Khan, in his desperation and lust for power, is ready to annihilate the meager and fragile infrastructure of Pakistan. The government must avoid this debacle by engaging Imran Khan proactively. If the government fails in this, it would also be considered a party to destruction of Pakistan.

Recommend0

Aziz

Dec 03, 2014 04:19pm

NS and cohorts have stayed too long in power and have run out of ideas. His old ideas are not working any more. He tries to find solace in foreign trips.

Tension is so evident on his face. Do we want to put more pressure on him?

Recommend0

kabeer

Dec 03, 2014 04:38pm

@Mustafa J. well said

Recommend0

r.s.soni

Dec 03, 2014 04:59pm

sir, mid term free and fair election is the only remedy.no other solution will be accetable to pti. let us see who stands in how much water?. if nawaz commands support of the masses , he will win again with overwhelming majority.

Recommend0

r.s.soni

Dec 03, 2014 05:00pm

sir, mid term free and fair election is the only remedy.no other solution will be accetable to pti. let us see who stands in how much water?. if nawaz commands support of the masses , he will win again with overwhelming majority.

Recommend0

Akhtar

Dec 03, 2014 05:09pm

Something does have to change. Pakistani politics is not working. The government is still working like it was the 1970's.

Corruption and nepotism needs to end.

From top to bottom things have to be refreshed so that Pakistan can unleash its true potential for its people.

Although I do not agree totally with what IK has done he has prompted change.

The status quo can not remain.

Recommend0

Mr.T

Dec 03, 2014 05:16pm

in one tv show one politician comments if govt didn't take any initiative then then the daddy will come and make them take initiative. and i think it will be done by army eventually, coz now everybody knows who's with who fully and partially...

Recommend0

IBN E ASHFAQUE

Dec 03, 2014 05:29pm

NS is too scared as he successfully rigged the elections. Thanks to PTI people are realising day by day that all elections are rigged.

Recommend0

Zeeshan

Dec 03, 2014 05:29pm

None of IK plan has failed till now. Every of his move has increased in his popularity and has made the government under extreme pressure.

Recommend0

Fareed (usa)

Dec 03, 2014 07:05pm

"In the meantime, Nawaz Sharif is back to spending time on foreign tours as governance slumps further." - Ostrich's head in the sand, hoping that all troubles would go away when you don't see them. Seems he has not learnt any thing from the past two tenures as PM.

Recommend0

Observer

Dec 03, 2014 07:14pm

If NS wants to come out of this crisis, he need to work on Plan P:

1.Get Professional people in his team.
2. Work for the betterment of Poor people.
3. Get Power projects completed ASAP.
4. Distance himself from Professional Crooks!
5. Take steps to Promote peace, and rule of law.

Recommend0

Khanm

Dec 03, 2014 07:57pm

Very interesting comments and political analysis. I have failed to understand why have we become so dumbfounded. Every country is run by a certain guiding principles. Each institution work in unison with certain morals and ethical values. Those play a vital role in predicting the future of the country where it is heading. Unfortunately in Pakistan the variables are different they are based on corruption and power. Only one man is holding the key. No institution can challenge him. The only power that would bring him down is general public. Unfortunately they are divided as well.

Recommend0

Waqas Ahmed

Dec 03, 2014 08:12pm

Imran Khan is protesting like the way 1st world do in thier countries. Most of the followers of PTI are from the emerging middle class who believes in moral values,ethics and rule of law. The rank & file and leadership of PTI believe in peaceful protest that has been exhibited in the Dharnas & Jalsas. This strategy works and rural & urban population have been converting thier political belief towards PTI. The ruling political elite of this country is unable to analyse the emerging scenario that has been picking roots. This type of protest creating worth seeing results that has been neglecting by Conventional politicians who are not ready to accept demands of PTI at this stage.

Recommend0

Younis (USA)

Dec 03, 2014 08:22pm

There is only one option for this so called, self elected PMi - is to RESIGN. He is a disgrace at home and certainly when he represents Pakistan abroad, because of his government where only "family members" are hired and his massive rigging and corruption. He doses not even attend Parliament.

Recommend0

Freeman

Dec 03, 2014 08:40pm

@Mustafa J. I am not a PTI supporter but could not understand what is wrong in demanding impartial inquiry of some constituencies. If nobody in interested in fairness of elections then nobody would be interested in election drama. If the elections itself are doubted then how NS can claim to be an elected PM, until he clears out this dust? This is the most ridiculous reason I ever heard that its too late to question the elections credibility.

Recommend0

Mustafa J.

Dec 03, 2014 09:01pm

@Waqar : Just to remind you that Musharraf was not alone, The entire Armed Forces, the governors of provinces, some judges, many prominent politicians were with him. He saved Pakistan, What is going on now in Pakistan, an attempt to overthrow government of Pakistan. I will be happy to see another Army General like Pervez Musharraf, possibly General Raheel Sharif take control of Pakistan , eliminate rebellion, maintain law and order and peace for all. As you can see democracy is being abused by rebels and Pakistan needs protection from enemies and rebels within Pakistan.

Recommend0

Khalid

Dec 03, 2014 09:04pm

@saqib Your first sentence says it all. Our Prime MInister does not have the intelligence to recognise that the situation will, very soon, be out of his hands. I really wonder what happened to the highly qualified and intelligent people Pakistan used to have. When I look around, until recently, India's Prime Minister was a Phd from Oxford, Barack Obama is a Harvard graduate and Quaid-E-Azam trained a barrister at Lincoln's Inn in London. What does our Prime MInister have in terms of either qualifications or other skills, which Pakistanis can be proud of?.

Recommend0

Abdul

Dec 03, 2014 09:14pm

@AH the only lust Imran has is to improve Pakistan. He has otherwise no lust for power. I know Imran Khan since childhood and all his record is positive. Can you say the same for the PM? If the current PM gets a full term, Pakistan will be destroyed so sooner out the better.

Recommend0

Imran

Dec 03, 2014 09:20pm

Let the government run.

Recommend0

Ahmed

Dec 03, 2014 09:26pm

People are suffering big time. No Election Commissioner , No LB Elections , foreign visits visits spending huge public money , maximum borrowing , his relatives in Cabinet & high positions. State machinery non functional. Where is Model Town justice.
Nawaz is a 3 times dumb ruler. IK is right to demand removal of this corrupt bloke.

Recommend0

Ahmed

Dec 03, 2014 11:35pm

I think Sharif will never hold complete audit of elections as there will be visible signs of rigging although not on a massive scale. This will be enough to dent the credibility of the government that is already crumbling. PMLN cant afford that. Khan's strategy to take to the streets looks like a wise decision for PTI although clearly a way to confrontation.

Recommend0

Lucky Star

Dec 04, 2014 12:35am

@saqib
That's what you think, Sharif might not be as handsome as IK looks, but Sharif is much smarter than IK otherwise, he must have been disappered from politics after 1999' coup by Musharraf, and Musharraf is on the rope.

Recommend0

Fatima

Dec 04, 2014 12:58am

Good analysis. Talk or no talk will never make corrupt PMLN straight and uncorrupt. Same goes for PPP.

Recommend0

Confused

Dec 04, 2014 01:44am

@Akbar
he is already bald.

Recommend0

khan

Dec 04, 2014 03:55am

Imran Khan ,please give him 5 years.He deserve it.But you are also right,I don't know what to say.

Recommend0

Najamuddin

Dec 04, 2014 04:14am

Such anti Govt agitations of Egypt, Libiya and Syria were many times more forceful and supportive by the exploited mobs than of both dharna leaders. The result is in front of us. Even the Sky is shedding the tears of blood. May God save Pakistan.

Recommend0

Iqbal Zaman Khan

Dec 04, 2014 04:37am

Imran Khan' persistence is paying off. Nawaz Sharif keeps running away. What are his foreign yrips achieving for the country, Its just an escape for him hoping Imran will go away. Its not gonna happen mate.

Recommend0

Mustafa J.

Dec 04, 2014 06:17am

@Freeman: Supreme Court of Pakistan is the place to settle as disputes specially the one about legality of Election 2013. Mr.Imran Khan should consult his top lawyers and seek justice from courts, not from crowd in streets.

Recommend0

Mustafa J.

Dec 04, 2014 06:36am

@F Khan: I fail to understand how Nawaz Sharif has power to negotiate a new Election. There were millions of legitimate voters from all parties. How Nawaz Sharif could undo or nullify their votes. The decision for new election must come from Supreme Court and most likely Supreme Court will ask all political parties, to appear if they have any objection plus any citizen of Pakistan who has objection to declaration of 2013 Election as Null and Void. The decision of Supreme Court, one way or the other, will be binding on all parties as well as on all Pakistanis.

Recommend0

FA

Dec 04, 2014 07:21am

An analysis not grounded in reality. Ik is interested only in becoming the PM of Pakistan at any cost. No negotiations will resolve this issue. Unfortunately we are either watching a replay of Egypt movie or PTI turning into MQM and making whole Pakistan look like Karachi. Ik will be the new Altaf Hussain of Pakistan. God bless Pakistan.

Recommend0

Yasir Khan

Dec 04, 2014 08:50am

PMLN can prolong its "government" as long as it wants. The fact is that masses have mobilized.

PMLN and PPP are now history.

Recommend0

Mustafa J.

Dec 04, 2014 10:39am

@Najamuddin : Imran does not care if blood-shed happens in Pakistan like Egypt, Libya or Syria as long as he is safe in his container or bunker.

Recommend0

M.A.Shah

Dec 04, 2014 12:02pm

@F Khan Very sorry Khan sahib Nawaz Sharif is not constitutionally elected prime minister but is an illegally elected prime minister through massively rigged election beyond any doubt. He must be removed immediately, prosecuted along with all those who were collaborators in this disgraceful fraud. He must also be prosecuted for his past corruption and despotic rule. The man is neither qualified nor honest to be even head of a council let alone being PM of Pakistan. The sooner he alongwith all political family mafia are removed, punished and banished to politically participate in the country's affairs, there is going to be no future for Pakistan and its people.

Recommend0

Ahmad

Dec 04, 2014 06:12pm

Very well written synopsis of the whole political landscape. I agree its time Mr. N comes out and take some bold decisions for the betterment of the country and ignore Shareef & Co for a moment!

Recommend0

Yousuf47 UK

Dec 05, 2014 08:07am

The author has given a succinct analysis of the chess game played as pawns battle it out with a possible call of check mate by Imran Khan. The temperature has risen since the meeting of Imran with Richard Olson the US Ambassador in Pakistan followed by a vitriol attack by Khawaja Asif accusing US as unreliable partners. In addition the General has increased his stature on the political scene with an impromptu meeting with John Kerry. The pundits are out whispering as to where the pendulum will swing in the absence of an umpire raising his finger, will the Court finally snatch the initiative to make a determination, in the absence of either, violence is the likely outcome.

Recommend0

Yousuf47 UK

Dec 05, 2014 08:07am

The author has given a succinct analysis of the chess gaming board as pawns battle it out with a possible call of check to Imran Khan. The temperature has risen since the meeting of Imran with US Ambassador in Pakistan followed by a vitriol attack by Khawaja Asif accusing US as unreliable partners. It coincides with General extending his stay by a further 7 days ending his trip with an impromptu meeting with John Kerry. The pundits believe to be a fluid situation, the axe in the absence of an umpire raising his finger may fall in the lap of the Court to make a determination and in the absence of neither, violence is a likely outcome.

Recommend0

Khalid Rana

Dec 05, 2014 11:44am

I K is determined to wake voters for their rights of selecting the right representatives and not to accept those whom voters have not chosen as their respective. What ever steps he is taking , are peaceful and with good strategy.Government/ N League is just delaying to get Senate seats which would not be possible. IK is on upper hand. He can create legal crisis which N League knows well. The only solution is based on the outcome/finding of judicial commission.